CarPlay Screen Radio for the Toyota RAV4 (2018-2022): how to install Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 (XA50 chassis) is by far the best-selling hybrid SUV in its class in Europe. Toyota reliability, remarkably low urban fuel consumption and a huge boot: there is not much to criticise… except one thing, and everybody points at it. The infotainment system.

The screen sticking out of the dashboard is small for a car this size, the factory navigation feels dated and many cars do not even have Android Auto. If that sounds familiar, there is a clean solution: a model-specific Android screen radio for the RAV4 that takes the same space, respects the dashboard design and finally gives you wireless CarPlay and Android Auto on a large display.

Does the Toyota RAV4 (2018-2022) have CarPlay as standard?

It depends on the car, and that is exactly the problem: two apparently identical RAV4s can behave very differently.

• Early XA50 cars: delivered with the Toyota Touch 2 system without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Radio, Bluetooth and USB only.
• Later cars: gained wired Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto arriving later still. Many used cars sit right in the middle: they have CarPlay but no Android Auto.
• Versions with Toyota navigation: proprietary maps that age badly and whose updates cost money, when they are still available at all.

On top of that, projection is always wired and shown on a modest screen. If you make lots of short trips, plugging and unplugging the phone every time quickly becomes tiring.

The solution: an Android radio for the Toyota RAV4

The model-specific Android screen radio for the RAV4 XA50 replaces the original infotainment unit using a fascia designed for this dashboard, so everything sits flush, with no gaps and no generic parts on show.

Features included:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay: your iPhone connects automatically when you start the car, with no cable.
• Wireless Android Auto, even on cars that never had it from the factory.
• A much larger touchscreen than the original, with high resolution and quick response.
• Navigation with live traffic and always up-to-date maps, without paying the dealer for updates.
• Reversing camera input with dynamic guidelines, plus a front camera input on many configurations.
• Working steering wheel controls thanks to the included CAN Bus module.
• Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, 4G SIM slot on the versions that include it, and an amplifier output.
• Split screen so you can see navigation and music at once.

In a car built for travelling, with a quiet hybrid drivetrain and plenty of motorway miles, a big screen showing Google Maps or Waze completely changes life on board.

RAV4 compatibility: supported versions

The radio is designed for the fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 (XA50) in its 2018-2022 period, before the facelift with the larger floating screen.

• Engines: it makes no difference. The 2.5 hybrid, the plug-in hybrid and the 2.0 petrol share the same centre console.
• Trims: Active, Business Plus, Advance, Style, Luxury and special editions.
• Drivetrain: valid on 2WD and AWD-i / E-Four versions.
• Original system: replaces both the basic Toyota Touch 2 and the version with navigation.
• Steering: for left-hand drive vehicles, like those sold in Europe.

If your RAV4 belongs to a later series with the large tablet-style screen, the fascia is different. Send us a photo of the dashboard and we will confirm which version you need before you buy.

What is the installation like?

It is a plug & play installation: everything connects to the original harness through an adapter, with no cutting or splicing of the car's wiring.

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12 V battery before touching anything. On hybrids, the high-voltage battery is never handled.
2. Remove the centre trim with a plastic tool, releasing the clips carefully and starting from the lower area.
3. Undo the screws of the infotainment unit and pull it towards you to reach the back.
4. Unplug the connectors for power, speakers, aerial and USB from the original unit.
5. Connect the adapter harness of the new radio together with the CAN Bus module, which keeps the steering wheel controls, the reverse signal and the vehicle warnings working.
6. Position the GPS aerial where it has a clear view of the sky and route the camera cable if you are fitting one.
7. Reconnect the battery and test: sound, steering wheel controls, wireless CarPlay, GPS and camera.
8. Fit the screen with its fascia and refit the trim.

Taken calmly, the complete job takes a little over an hour. As with any modern car, the important part is testing everything before closing up the dashboard.

How much does it cost to install CarPlay in a Toyota RAV4?

At an official dealer, adding CarPlay or Android Auto to a RAV4 that does not have it means replacing the infotainment unit with a higher original version and coding it. Between the unit, the labour and the programming the bill rockets, and you still end up with wired projection on a screen of the same size.

The model-specific Android screen radio costs far less, is installed once and offers more than the top factory unit: a bigger screen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigation that is always up to date. You will find the price and the configurations on the product page.

Frequently asked questions

Does it affect the hybrid system or fuel consumption?
No. The radio is an infotainment device and plays no part in managing the hybrid system. The car behaves exactly as before.

Do I lose the factory reversing camera?
No. The original camera signal is reused and still appears when you select reverse, now larger and with guidelines.

Do the steering wheel controls and parking sensors keep working?
Yes. The CAN Bus module keeps the wheel controls, and the sensors keep warning you normally because they do not depend on the radio.

Can I still see the hybrid information and the trip computer?
The instrument cluster is untouched: consumption, range and energy flow are still shown there as always.

Can I refit the original screen if I sell the car?
Yes. As no wires are cut, you simply unplug the adapter and refit the factory unit. Keep the original in its box.

See the CarPlay radio for the Toyota RAV4 (2018-2022)

You can see every configuration, photos of the complete kit and detailed compatibility on the product page for the CarPlay and Android Auto screen radio for the Toyota RAV4. It includes the model-specific fascia and all the wiring, ready to fit.